Virgin Australia flights to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar can now be booked for travel from June 2025.
The announcement came shortly after the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued temporary authorization to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance.
Starting December 12, 2024, customers can now book Virgin Australia’s new direct services from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Perth Airport (PER) to Doha for travel from June 2025, with Melbourne Airport (MEL)] set to join the party later in 2025.
The Virgin Australia flights will use Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s, which includes the brand new QSuites Business Class seats.
Sample of Virgin Australia’s launch fares include:
Perth to Paris Economy return from AUD1,791 ($1,147.69)
Sydney to London Economy return from AUD1,982 ($1,270)
Brisbane to Rome Economy return from AUD1,945 ($1,246.38)
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia’s five-year permission for partnership is still pending final approval from the ACCC, who is expected to issue a draft decision in February 2025.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new airline partnership is a game-changer, driving benefits to consumers, the economy and Australian aviation.
“For Virgin Australia this gives us the ability to start long haul flying, which we have not been able to do over the past four and a half years. Our 28 new weekly services to Doha will open up a world of opportunity for those wanting to travel overseas, with more passengers able to connect to over 100 destinations around the world on Qatar’s network,” Hrdlicka said in a statement.
“Partnering with Qatar Airways means we’re delivering the gold standard in global travel – seamless connections and world-class service – and increasing market competition to provide better value and fares. Exploring the world has never been more accessible,” Hrdlicka added.
“We are proud to support Virgin Australia with their ambition to return to long-haul international flying, a crucial next step in their successful transformation program,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said, adding that, if approved, the investment will support a collective ambition between the two airlines to deliver the best service and value to Australian customers.
